Anas Aremeyaw Anas Responds to $18 Million Defamation Victory, Sends Strong Message on Media Accountability

Renowned investigative journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas has addressed his recent legal victory in the United States, where the Essex County Superior Court in New Jersey ruled in his favor in a defamation case against former Ghanaian Member of Parliament, Kennedy Agyapong. The court awarded Anas $18 million in damages, a ruling he describes as a powerful affirmation of truth and justice.

In a statement following the decision, Anas highlighted the significance of the case, particularly the high legal standards for proving defamation in the U.S. He emphasized that the jury’s unanimous 8-0 verdict reflected Agyapong's malicious and reckless attacks against him, which were sparked by the 2018 BBC documentary Betraying the Game.

Anas drew a stark contrast between this victory and his previous attempts to seek justice in Ghana. Reflecting on his failed defamation lawsuit in 2018, he lamented the disparity between the two judicial systems. “In 2018, when I sought justice in Ghana, the court denied me fairness. Despite Mr. Agyapong’s admission that he had no evidence to support his defamatory claims, the Accra High Court, led by Justice Eric Baah, not only denied me justice but unjustly portrayed me as a criminal,” Anas said. He also referenced the condemnation of the Ghanaian ruling by Supreme Court Justice Kulendi, who described the decision as a “violent abuse of judicial authority.” Anas called for urgent reforms in Ghana’s judicial system, pointing out its systemic flaws.

In contrast, Anas commended the fairness and accountability he experienced in the U.S. court system, where Kennedy Agyapong and his brother, Ralph Agyapong, testified in his defense. “The New Jersey proceedings, overseen by the Honorable Judge Jeffrey B. Beacham, were marked by fairness. Mr. Agyapong introduced audiovisual evidence titled ‘Who Watches the Watchman’ and even cited the Ghanaian judgment in his defense. Despite these efforts, my case—thoroughly prepared and presented by my legal team, led by Andrew Deheer, Esq.—prevailed with an 8-0 verdict on all counts. This outcome is a testament to the power of truth and accountability, proving that justice can prevail regardless of one’s position or influence.”

Anas used the opportunity to issue a strong warning to Ghanaian politicians, emphasizing the crucial role of the media in holding power accountable. “This outcome sends a clear message to Ghanaian politicians: the media cannot be taken for granted. The press plays a vital role in scrutinizing power and ensuring that leaders are held accountable. Any attempt to undermine this essential function will be met with determined resistance,” he said.

In closing, Anas expressed his gratitude to his legal team—including Andrew Deheer, Arthur Wemegah, Evans Selasi Adika, and Odei Krow—as well as to his supporters who stood by him throughout the legal battle. He reaffirmed his commitment to fighting corruption, stating that this victory only strengthens his resolve to expose wrongdoing and hold those in power accountable.

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Source; mynewsgh